Today it finally hit me: We’re leaving Nepal.
We’ve been settled in this place for nearly a month. We’ve had a pretty set schedule of what to expect each day and what ministry looks like. I’ve been living with 12 people (my team, Aperture and another team, Golden Arrows), been sleeping on a mat on the floor, become accustomed to carbs for every meal and throwing toilet paper in the trash, not the toilet.
Ministry this past month has been mainly to encourage the believers here. Christianity in Nepal is only 1%, and I feel very fortunate to have met a handful of believers, not to mention inspired. Usually twice a day, we would walk to homes all over the valleys and mountains for an hour of house fellowship. We would sing about four Nepali songs, one of us would give our testimony, and another would present a message. Then we’d pray (Nepali style which is when everyone prays at once), eat cookies and tea and walk back home. On average we would walk five to six miles a day.
Prayer and intercession is a HUGE part of the Nepali Christian’s life. At least once a week we’d hiked mountains to pray over the valleys or walk to Hindu temples to intercede for those bound to the religion. In church, we’d pray for hours. If there’s anything I’ve grown in, it’s my prayer life.
During week two, we were responsible for teaching a nine-hour seminar on the Great Commission. Yeah, I had no idea how to get nine hours out of a few verses, either. But my fellow teammates did an incredible job. Although the seminar was to inform the Nepali church about the Great Commission, I found myself being convicted and challenged. God’s funny like that.
We’ve had about a day off each week, which includes coffee, wifi, and more coffee. And lately a lot of sleep. Last week, we all took a turn for the worse: literally everyone’s been sick, some multiple times and with multiple issues. One night four people threw up within a two hour time frame. I have a huge phobia when it comes to puke and anything related to it, so imagine my fear of wondering if I was next (I wasn’t, thank the Lord).
The rainy season has officially hit, so it rains randomly and often throughout the day. A rain jacket has become a fashion staple, as have Chacos. I daily wonder if I’ll ever fully feel like myself on the Race, but I’m slowly coming to accept it, knowing that my denim vest and Birkenstocks just wouldn’t cut it on this journey.
Oreos, peanut butter and Pringles are their own food groups here. I can’t even remember the last time I ate Pringles in the States, but I’ve had them nearly every day here. Something about having processed American food I guess.
So that’s been life the past month: walking a lot, praying a lot, struggling a lot, eating a lot. It’s hard to believe month one is finally ending but at the same time how quickly it flew by. Nepal has been a warm welcome (and cold splash to the face) to this Race life. The people have been nothing but friendly and inviting. I still can’t get over the killer scenery; photos do not do it justice. I’ve been immediately thrown into preaching, uphill climbs, and watching leeches suck people’s blood.
So yeah, I think I’m ready for month two. It’s strange to be saying goodbye to one place and hello to another, but overall I am grateful for this beautiful, challenging month.
Thanks for it all Nepal. Namaste.
*On Friday my squad and I will be flying to Hyderabad, India for a five day debrief before starting ministry within that area. Prayers for good health and safe travel would be appreciated!
